Other players with Louisiana tied who were invited to the Combine are Penn State linebacker Michael Mauti, the son of former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rich Mauti, who prepped at Mandeville High School, and University of Southern Mississippi offensive tackle Jason Weaver (Karr).

RETURN MEN

Louisiana has produced many top all-purpose wide receivers/halfbacks and return men for the NFL.

Just take a look at NFL rosters throughout the past few years and the likes of Brian Mitchell (Philadelphia Eagles), Trindon Holliday (Denver Broncos), Jacoby Jones (Baltimore Ravens), Damaris Johnson (Philadelphia Eagles), Michael Lewis (New Orleans Saints), Darius Reynaud (Tennessee Titans) and Joe McKnight (New York Jets) have all made huge impacts in the league.

Former LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu is also someone who will bring great value to an NFL team not only because of his ball-hawking skills at cornerback and in the nickel cover packages, but also as a punt return specialist. His former LSU teammate halfback Michael Ford emerged as a very good kickoff return man for the Tigers in 2012 and that element will aid his draft stock also.

There is another potential impact all-purpose athlete in the upcoming 2013 NFL draft and it is former St. Augustine High/Southern University wide receiver/return man Charles Hawkins.

Despite not getting an invitation to attend the NFL Combine, Hawkins has received the attention of a number of NFL teams due to his all-purpose skills.

Hawkins, a former Southern University walk-on, has quickly developed into one of the most coveted and highly-scouted players as a late-round pick in the NFL draft.

The 5-foot-8, 175-pound Hawkins had a 4.28 seconds time in 40-yard dash at the Southern Pro Day last Spring, but a hamstring injury derailed what looked to be a promising senior season for Hawkins.

"I was disappointed I didn't get to really help my team more," Hawkins said. "Personally everyone wants to showcase their talents, but I just want to help my team win and it was frustrating to not be out on the field and at times I wasn't 100%, but there is a reason for everything. I worked hard this off-season to get myself in the best shape possible, but injuries happen and I was glad to help the Jaguars late in the year."

"Charles has speed like very few people out there have and he is arguably the fastest player in this draft class," Harris said. "But it's his work ethic and his ability to understand that you can't just be fast and play in the NFL, but being football fast that counts. He has worked hard to be a better route runner. He is talented and fast, but what is most important is that he is hungry and focused on being the best player he can be."

Hawkins, who caught six passes for 99 yards and three touchdowns in the Bayou Classic against Grambling State, said his best attribute is catching short passes and making big plays after the catch over being a deep-threat as a receiver.

"In college or the pros there is an opportunity at times to make something happen with the longer throw, but the percentages to complete that type of play is not real high," Hawkins said. "What I like to do and take pride in is running the shorter routes, beating my man with good route running skills and my separation ability, and then making a long play from a short pass. I am not afraid to go over the middle for the tough catch.

"Some guys like to stay on the boundary, but I love to catch the ball short and make something happen after the catch. That breaks down a defender worst than beating him deep with just speed. I was one of those guys that played football and my coaches and teachers kind of forced me to run track in high school and not the other way around."

NFL analyst Mike Detillier is based in Raceland.

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